Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

School of Music

First Advisor

Dr. Samantha Inman

Second Advisor

Dr. Stephen Lias

Third Advisor

Dr. Bradley Meyer

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Alexander Amato

Fifth Advisor

Dr. Jeannine Remy

Abstract

This thesis analyzes two Panorama arrangements by Trinidad and Tobago arranger Jit Sukha Samaroo: “Pan in A Minor” (1987) and “The Bee’s Melody” (1992). These works are analyzed to understand his arranging style and their significance within the field of steelband music. The study addresses the cursory scholarship on Panorama arrangements and focuses on how Samaroo reinterpreted Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts’ Calypsos for the Amoco Renegades Steel Orchestra. This study highlights Samaroo’s approaches to melodic and rhythmic development, thematic expansion, orchestration, and textural variation. “Pan in A Minor” retains much of Kitchener’s original material while introducing structural expansion, whereas “The Bee’s Melody” uses more experimental textures and text-painting techniques to create programmatic effects. The findings position Samaroo as a recognized arranger whose methods balanced clarity with creativity, contributing to Renegades’ success and offering insight into the artistic processes behind Panorama arranging.

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